July 03, 2025

Digital Articulators Explained with Seth Atkins – PDP230

1 hour 9 minutes

We use articulators to help ‘mimic’ our patient’s jaw movements, to ultimately do less adjustments/revisions in the future.

But are digital articulators there yet? Or is analog king?

Or is digital dentistry just flashy tech with no real-world benefits?

Can a virtual articulator truly match the movements of your patient’s jaw?

Is a CBCT really better than a facebow—and WHEN should you use which?

In this cutting-edge episode with Dr. Seth Atkins, we dive into the world of digital articulation—exploring how tools like virtual articulators, CBCT alignment, and 3D-printed provisionals are transforming clinical workflows.

You’ll learn how to combine analog wisdom with digital precision, improve lab communication, and make full-mouth rehabs more predictable and efficient than ever.

From mounting accuracy to motion capture, this episode is your ultimate guide to articulating smarter in the digital age.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT31Ecf_kDo

Watch PDP230 on YouTube

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Always send your lab the color version of your digital scan — the PLY file — not just the STL. STL shows shape, but PLY shows color — like markings and tissue detail. Ask your lab: “Are you seeing color, or do you need the PLY?”

Better scans = better results

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways:

Digital methods can enhance accuracy and patient outcomes → but only when used intentionally.

Understanding both analog and digital techniques is crucial → they complement each other, not compete.

Mentorship plays a significant role in advancing dental education → experience accelerates clinical confidence.

Digital workflows can significantly reduce chair time → and improve patient comfort in the process.

The integration of CBCT with digital workflows enhances diagnostics → giving clearer insight into static and functional relationships.

Digital provisionals offer a cost-effective and efficient solution → saving time, money, and frustration for both dentist and patient.

Axiography is essential for capturing patient motion accurately → because real movement matters more than assumptions.

Highlights of the Episode:

00:00 Introduction

04:00 Protrusive Dental Pearl

05:32 Interview with Dr. Seth Atkins and his Journey into Digital Dentistry

08:06 The Evolution of Digital Articulation

13:38 Digital Workflow and Mentorship

20:01 Accuracy and Efficiency in Digital Dentistry

22:32 Static and Dynamic Relations in Digital Dentistry

31:01 Interjection 1

36:05 Practical Guidelines on Integrating CBCT

37:15 Interjection 2

40:59 Clinical Observations in Dental Rehabilitation

42:29 Interjection 3

45:21 Introduction to Axiography

46:40 Advancements in Digital Dentistry

49:33 3D Printing in Dental Practice

53:31 Motion Tracking on Digital Articulators

57:30 Cost Efficiency of Digital Tools

01:01:10 Alternatives to CBCT

01:05:52 Involvement with AES and Future Plans

Check out the study mentioned: “Comparison of the accuracy of a cone beam computed tomography-based virtual mounting technique with that of the conventional mounting technique using facebow”

🎓 Join the world’s leading organization dedicated to occlusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and restorative excellence — the American Equilibration Society (AES).

🗓️ AES Annual Meeting 2026 – “The Evolution of the Oral Physician”

📍 February 18–19, 2026 · Chicago, Illinois
Don’t miss Dr. Jaz Gulati and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim as featured speakers, presenting on “Occlusion Basics and Beyond.”

If you loved this episode, be sure to watch Basics of 3D Printing, Milling and Digital Dentistry – PDP224

#PDPMainEpisodes #OcclusionTMDandSplints

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcome C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within clinical practice.

AGD Subject Code: 610 – Fixed Prosthodontics – Emerging techniques and technology

Aim: To provide a comprehensive understanding of how digital articulators can enhance clinical workflows, improve occlusal precision, and minimize restorative complications through accurate static and dynamic articulation.

Dentists will be able to:

Differentiate between analog and digital articulation methods, including their benefits and limitations.

Apply digital workflows to provisional restorations, improving efficiency, patient experience, and predictability.

Recognize cost-saving and diagnostic advantages of digital design in restorative and full-arch treatment planning.

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By Jaz Gulati

4.7

2020 ratings